From exec summary: This Consultation Report describes the development to date of the Nitrous Oxide Emissions Reduction Protocol ("NERP"), designed on the framework provided by the Right Product @ Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place? stewardship model of the Canadian Fertilizer Institute. The process for development includes a Technical Background Document, a Science Discussion document, and a Consultation Workshop. Following the decisions of the Consultation Workshop, the main elements of the NERP are determined. The eligibility requirements of the NERP are designed according to the criteria of the Alberta Offsets System and Canada's Offset System. The GHG emissions for the baseline scenario and project condition are calculated using the country-specific methodology used in Canada's National Inventory Report. The scope of the NERP is limited to (1) on-farm reductions of (2) emissions associated with quantification categories fertilizer, manure, residues, and irrigation. The baseline is determined according to three years of farm-level data. The essential component for participation in the NERP is defined as the implementation of a 4R N stewardship plan, as assured by (1) general guidance in the NERP confirmed by third party verification, (2) detailed design instructions in the NERP, (3) conformity with a recommended predictive model, or (4) retaining services of an approved consulting professional. The fertilizer management practices comprising the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels of the NERP are listed. And, the reduction modifiers associated with the levels of the NERP are proposed.
